Mobile detail unit owners are car detailers who wash, wax and buff automobiles and small trucks from mobile units. These owners can start their businesses by purchasing their own vans and supplies -- wet-dry vacuum cleaners, mini carpet shampooers, buff polishers, wax and window cleaners -- or buying franchises through companies such as Carbuffs Detail Systems, Speedy K's and Cody Mobile Auto Detailing. Income can vary by region, the number of hours worked and an owner's ability to attract and retain customers.

Income and Qualifications

The average annual income or profit for a mobile detail unit owner was $50,000 as of 2013, according to the job site Simply Hired. These entrepreneurs don't need any special educational requirements to run one of these businesses, but it may behoove owners to have one or more years of experience washing and detailing cars. Mobile detail unit owners may also get certified as car washers and polishers in some states, which can enhance their credentials. Those interested in owning mobile detailing units can get started from under $2,000, according to 2013 data from Entrepreneur. Key qualifications for this business are an attention to detail, manual dexterity, customer service, bookkeeping and interpersonal skills.

Regional Incomes

In 2013, average incomes for mobile detail unit owners varied the most in the South region, according to Simply Hired, where they earned the lowest incomes of $39,000 in Louisiana and highest of $79,000 in Washington, D.C. Those in the Northeast made $45,000 to $61,000 per year in Maine and Massachusetts, respectively. These car detailing specialists earned $40,000 to $57,000 in Montana and California, which were the lowest and highest earnings in the West. In the Midwest, they made the most in Illinois and Minnesota and least in South Dakota -- $53,000 and $39,000, respectively.

Contributing Factors

The income potential for mobile detail unit owners will vary depending on whether they operate their businesses part- or full time. Full-time owners can earn as much as $75,000 in profits, according to the mobile detail franchise seller Carbuffs, while those who operate businesses part-time can make as much as $50,000. This is assuming they detail five to seven cars per day during a five-day workweek. Weather can also impact these owners' incomes, as customers don't detail their cars when it rains or snows. Another factor affecting income is how hard an owner is willing to work to generate business.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't forecast jobs for mobile detail unit owners. It predicts a 17 percent increase in employment for automotive service technicians and mechanics from 2010 to 2020, an average growth rate, largely due to increases in the number of motor vehicles. Car ownership increased approximately 11 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to Statistica, as Americans owned 225,821 and 250,273 vehicles, respectively, during this decade. CNBC suggests that worldwide car ownership will continue increasing at least until 2035, which may increase job opportunities for mobile detail unit owners.